Chambliss: Time ‘to act in a serious way’ on Syria

The vice chairman of the U.S. Senate Select Committee this week said it is time for the United States “to act in a serious way” on Syria.

“Based on available intelligence, there can be no doubt the Assad regime is responsible for using chemical weapons on the Syrian people,” U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., said in a statement. “It is time for the United States to act in a serious way, and send a clear message to Assad and his allies that the world will not tolerate chemical or biological attacks. Continuing to do nothing is not an option. Short of putting troops on the ground, I believe a meaningful military response is appropriate.”

While the Obama Administration is briefing Congress on intelligence about Syria, many lawmakers want the president to seek Congress’ approval before taking military action. A bi-partisan group of 116 members of Congress — 98 Republicans and 18 Democrats — sent a letter to President Obama expressing disapproval at the president’s intervention in Libya without authorization.

The group also said Congress would return to session to consider action in Syria.

“I’m grateful and encouraged by the strong, bipartisan support this letter has received,” U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell, R-Va., said in a statement. “It’s a clear indication that this issue is not personal to the president, but rather represents common ground in Congress and a deep respect for the Constitution.”